Adoption of soil and water conservation practices (SWCPs) have immense role to minimize land degradation and improve soil fertility. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate factors affecting the adoption of SWCPs in Dokemawenz and Gsheni Micro-watersheds in Alefa district, Northwestern Ethiopia. The study specifically aims to explore SWCPs and analyze factors affecting adoption of SWCPs. A total of 173 households were selected using systematic sampling technique followed by probability to proportional to sample size and 36 plots. To collect primary data, interview method, focus group discussion, key informant interview and field measurements were employed. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, independent sample T-test and binary logit model. The survey result revealed that about 56.1%, 45.1%, 38.4%, 28.3% and 11.6% of respondents constructed soil bund, stone bund, waterway, cut of drain and fanya juu, respectively .The field measurement result indicated that the bund length, base width, top width, horizontal distance and vertical distance between constructed bunds in Dokemawenz watershed deviates from the recommended values and the deviation was statistically significant; whereas, the measurement of bund length, base width, top width, horizontal distance and vertical distance of Gsheni watershed SWCPs are in line with Ministry of Agriculture, 2001 guideline. The binary logit model result indicated that sex of the respondent, farm size, extension service, moderate slope, steep slope and perception of soil erosion problem had positive and statistically significant effect on adoption of SWCPs contrary to distance from the farm plot. To ensure the sustainability and adoption of SWCPs, special attention should be given to the existing heterogeneity in socio-economic variables, plot characteristics and institutional factors besides the qualities, design and appropriateness of the SWCPs.